As I sit down to write this morning, these words are playing in the background of my mind: Ponder anew what the Almighty can do . . . . Entering into this most blessed Easter season, let us ponder anew the significance of the proclamation “He is not here; he is risen, just as he said.”

The crosses located near the entrance to the campus serve as a visual reminder of our Lord’s sacrifice and of His victory over death.

A word of welcome goes to Dale Cutrer, who begins her work today as Dr. Enzor’s administrative assistant. Dale, we are glad to have you on board.

Welcome also to Christina Teel, who is filling in for Sonia in the Office of the Registrar. Thank you, Christina, for your assistance.

We are excited to welcome representatives from the Town of Blue Mountain to our campus on Tuesday evening for our annual appreciation dinner. We are grateful for our wonderful neighbors and excited about the opportunity to say thank you.

Please continue to remember Dean Jack Moser and his family as they are grieving the loss of his father.

Many thanks to Chris Driskell, Larry McMillin, Mayor Doug Norton, and David Rainey for their work in bringing the cross project to fruition.

The campus will be closed in observation of Good Friday. May your family be blessed as you gather to worship the risen Savior!

I trust that everyone enjoyed a restful and refreshing spring break. With the break behind us, we are pressing on full speed toward the close of this semester. Today begins the countdown toward the inauguration on April 26 (be on the lookout for the inauguration website premiering soon) and graduation on May 11. Please be praying for all who are involved in the preparation for these two significant events.

It is my pleasure to share the great news that Emanuel Devon Sanders (8 pounds, 7 ounces, 19.5 inches) was born at 8:34 am on Friday, March 15th. Congratulation, Sonia, and family!

Congratulations also to Anna Brooke Page, who was recognized as an Honorable Mention to the Coaches’ All-America Team by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

Signs of spring are everywhere on our beautiful campus. In celebration of the season’s official arrival this week, students are invited to the lawn of Armstrong Tuesday evening to assist in preparing Easter eggs for the town of Blue Mountain’s egg hunt on Easter weekend. The fun begins at 5:30 and includes cupcakes!

We will close this week out with special guests on campus. Please join me in extending a warm welcome home to our ministerial alumni who will be here for MA Day. Welcome also to the prospective ministerial students who will be in attendance. We are thankful for you!

Today we will be led by Scott Thomas from First Baptist Church of Brandon as we worship together in chapel. On Friday, MA President Ron Harrison will lead us.

As we contemplate the wonder of spring, let’s offer praises to our Lord, who has the power to make all things new. II Corinthians 5:17

Winter snowfall on Saturday gave way to spring sunshine on Sunday, giving us a glimpse yet again of our Creator’s artistry and omnipotence!

It was great to see our Alumni Association Board of Directors on campus Saturday; lots of great ideas were generated. Many thanks to association president Audrey Caldwell and to alumni director Lea Bennett for their work in planning a productive day.

A huge word of congratulations goes out today to Coach Lavon Driskell. Coach Driskell was named TranSouth women’s Coach of the Year. Anna Brooke Page was named Newcomer of the Year. Anna Brooke and Jessi Hayles were both named to the All-TSAC first team; Kati Prince received honorable mention. From the men’s team, Jarvis Fisher was selected to the All-TSAC second team; Kevin Daniels and Vladimir Filipovic were chosen to the All-Freshmen team. We are proud of all of our Toppers!

I hope all who attended last week’s production of Forever Plaid enjoyed it as much as I did. If you were there Tuesday evening you witnessed my theatre debut as a pianist. My first piano teacher, Rita Clemmer Braddock, just happened to be in attendance and was pleased. Thanks, guys, for the “help”!

Lea Bennett is our chapel speaker today. Rebekah Ray, Marketing and Donor Relations officer with the Mississippi Baptist Foundation, will speak to us on Friday.

In observance of Employee Appreciation Day, all faculty and staff are invited to come by the Office of the President between 10:30 and 11:30 today to pick up a small memento as a token of gratitude for all that you do.

Sonia Sanders, Assistant to the Registrar, has officially begun her maternity leave. Let’s keep Sonia and family in our prayers as they anticipate baby boy’s arrival in the next few days.

Please pray for me as I will be traveling next week to do SACS work on another campus. Monday messages will resume on March 18.

Next week the campus will pause to observe a much-needed spring break. Let’s pray that this time away will be safe and restful for all.